Diego Simeone – Foto: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com
Filipe Luís, Flamengo’s coach, received praise from Diego Simeone, his former coach at Atlético de Madrid, ahead of the Libertadores semifinal against Racing. In an interview in London on Monday, October 20, Simeone highlighted the Brazilian’s “enormous work” but stated he will root for the Argentine club, where he ended his playing career. The decisive match is scheduled for this week in Argentina.
The Argentine coach, currently at Atlético de Madrid, spoke at a press conference before the Champions League clash with Arsenal. When asked by TNT about the Libertadores semifinal, he unhesitatingly declared his support for Racing, a club he also coached in 2011.
- Simeone played for Racing until 2006, when he began his coaching career.
- He won eight titles at Atlético de Madrid, seven with Filipe Luís in the squad.
- Flamengo’s tactical identity reflects Filipe Luís’ philosophy, according to Simeone.
📡🗞 𝗥𝗨𝗘𝗗𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔
❝Venimos con la ilusión de hacer un gran partido y de poder llevarnos una victoria, que la necesitamos, fuera de casa y en Champions, y de afrontar con la intensidad que merece un partido como el de mañana❞.
— Simeone 🎙 pic.twitter.com/uonQwIDVDv
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) October 20, 2025
Simeone’s Racing career
Simeone is a Racing icon, having played there until 2006. That year, he took over as the club’s coach, marking the start of his managerial career. He returned to Racing in 2011 before moving to Atlético de Madrid, where he built a successful career.
Praise for Flamengo
Simeone emphasized Flamengo’s progress under Filipe Luís. He noted that the team has a clear identity, with players aligned with the coach’s tactical approach. The Argentine also highlighted Flamengo’s consistent growth in recent years.
Libertadores rivalry
The Flamengo vs. Racing matchup is a highlight of the Libertadores semifinals. The first leg will take place in Avellaneda, Argentina, with Flamengo aiming for a spot in the final. Filipe Luís, who faced Racing as a player, now faces the challenge of overcoming the club tied to Simeone’s career.
The Brazilian coach has drawn on his Atlético de Madrid experience to instill an intense style at Flamengo. The return leg is set for the Maracanã, with high expectations from fans.
Simeone’s influence
Filipe Luís has never hidden his admiration for Diego Simeone, with whom he worked for seven seasons at Atlético de Madrid. The Brazilian adopted tactical concepts like defensive discipline and quick transitions. This influence is evident in Flamengo’s blend of solid defense and vertical attacks. Simeone, in turn, acknowledges his former player’s impact on South American football.
Match expectations
Racing enters the semifinal buoyed by a strong Libertadores campaign. The Argentine club relies on its passionate fanbase to challenge Flamengo. Filipe Luís, aware of the difficulty, has focused on tactical preparation for the match.
Loyalty statement
Despite praising Filipe Luís, Simeone made clear his emotional tie to Racing. “I’m a Racing fan, he knows,” the Argentine said, emphasizing the friendly rivalry with his former player. The statement underscores the significance of the matchup, intertwining the personal and professional stories of both coaches.
